"Pal, stop."

At Sai’s command, the oppressive aura finally subsided. Darnan and I were both drenched in cold sweat, gasping for breath.

"My role is to eliminate anyone hostile toward you, Master."

Just stick to Rozie, please.
She can be dealt with however you like—no one will care!

"I think they’ll understand with just words. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be guild executives."

Yes, exactly! Communication is key!
I shot Rozie a sharp glance. Do not speak another word.

"Master, I am your loyal servant."

"You mean self-appointed servant, right? But please, really refrain from any more intimidation, Pal."

So, the Calamity truly serves this Sai. But why?

"As for the Guild Master’s earlier question, I am indeed aware of the rule requiring us to bring materials to the guild first. They explained it when I joined."

Wait, was that the question I asked?
I’d honestly hoped he’d feign ignorance—it would’ve made things so much easier.

"You understand that the Red Dragon you sold to the Johnson Trading Company should have been brought to the guild?"

I didn’t want to say it. I really didn’t. But as the guildmaster, I have no choice.
Oh, gods, this is terrifying!

"I understand that, yes"
"Do you also realize that failing to do so constitutes a violation?"
"I don’t believe I’ve violated anything."

The conversation isn’t aligning. Something feels off—a foreboding sensation.

"And why do you believe that—"
"Guild Master! Enough! He’s just admitted to his crime! Let’s punish him"

What?! What are you saying, you fool?!

"Darnan, seize this man!"

Darnan didn’t move.
Good. Stay that way.

"What are you doing? Arrest him already!"
Shut up. Don’t speak.

"Darnan!"
"Stop this!"
"W-Why, Guild Master?"
"If you continue this disruption, I’ll order you to leave."
"!!"

This is bad. I need to resolve this quickly.
Sai’s expression remained calm, but Pal’s eyes were beginning to narrow dangerously.

"I apologize for the noise."
"Oh, I’m used to these types of people; it’s fine."

Sai… What a kind and forgiving person.

"Back to the matter at hand. We believe selling the Red Dragon to the Johnson Trading Company violated guild policy. However, you seem to disagree. Could you explain why?"

I’m sorry, but I have to ask.

"It’s simple. I was aware of the guild’s policy, so I tried to take the Red Dragon quest."
"What?!"

Wait, does that mean… could this be resolved right here and now?

"I followed guild protocol. When I tried to take the quest, the receptionist refused to let me. That’s why I brought the Red Dragon to Johnson’s shop. It’s incredibly frustrating to be accused of a violation because of that."

"Liar!"
"Rozie!"

This idiot! How many times do I have to tell you to shut up?!

"If you speak again without permission, you will be demoted."
"!!"

Finally, I could breathe. But there was still more to clarify.
Let’s get through this quickly—I need to drown myself in stomach medicine after.

After hearing more details and summoning the receptionist, Illmida, the truth was revealed.
Rozie and Illmida had conspired to manipulate the situation.
What am I going to do with you two?
Because of them, I came close to being wiped off the face of this world.

Still… Why did Sai have a magical recording crystal prepared? No, don’t think about it. I have to deal with these two first.

Three days later, Sai visited the guild.
I had planned to go to him, but he graciously agreed to come instead.

It turned out that 30 guild staff members were involved in this mess. I hadn’t slept in three days, resolving this disaster.
Everyone involved faced severe consequences, including myself—I gave up three months’ salary as punishment.

To appease Sai, I tapped into the guild’s budget and demanded restitution from Rozie’s family.
If Rozie hadn’t meddled, this could’ve been quietly handled within the guild. But her attempt to cover it up had escalated things disastrously.

Because of her, Sai—accompanied by the Calamity—was subjected to unnecessary trouble.

While I was prepared to offer the guild’s entire assets as compensation, Sai instead requested information.

Specifically, information about an incident from 20 years ago. I agreed and immediately instructed the guild’s intelligence division to investigate.
If they fail to deliver results, I’ll overhaul the entire department.

"Sigh… Why am I always tied to disasters?"

I don’t need this kind of fate.
I hope to never cross paths with him again.

"Should I resign as guildmaster?"

I’m not even 230 years old yet—a vibrant young elf!
I’m far too young to die.